OMTech Installation Guide: How to Set Up Your CO2 Laser Engraver

Like many of you may be finding, I initially knew very little about CO2 lasers, how to set up a laser engraver, or how to run one. Still, once I chose OMTech and bought my first laser, I dove straight into learning everything I could before the machine even showed up.

In this article, I’ll do my best to give you a head start so you can get moving the moment it’s #laserday (the day your laser arrives)! If you haven’t already, be sure to read the How to Prepare and Setup Your Laser Engraver Workshop article on OMTech’s Resource Hub.

Technical Terms Related to CO2 Laser Machines

Before you start setting up your new OMTech laser, take time to review the updated user manual in the Download Center. Follow along in your manual as you work through the instructions in this article.

Before we jump into the steps, please familiarise yourself with these technical terms used throughout the article and what they mean:

• Laser Tube – The glass CO2 laser tube at the rear of the machine that generates the actual laser beam.

  

• Laser Cooling System – As the CO2 laser tube runs, it produces heat. That heat must be removed, and the tube must be cooled to keep it operating properly and to prevent heat damage. This is done by circulating temperature-controlled distilled water through the laser tube using a water pump or an industrial water chiller.

• Laser Exhaust System – The exhaust system removes engraving debris (gasses, smoke, fumes, and airborne particles). This system is made up of multiple components, including (but not limited to):

  • Exhaust Vent – The physical vent that routes outside the building or structure where the laser is installed.

  • Exhaust Output Port – The port on the laser engraver where exhaust exits the machine. Note that the 130W & 150W machines have 2 exhaust output ports.

  • Internal Fan(s) – The fan(s) inside the laser, located at the exhaust output port(s).

  • Inline Fan – A separately purchased add-on for the exhaust system that helps with fume extraction. It should be installed as close to the exhaust vent as possible.

  • Exhaust Duct – The hose that connects the machine’s exhaust output port to the inline fan or the exhaust vent.

• Electrical Ground – An electrical ground is a path that provides an alternative route for current to return to ground if there’s a wiring fault. In general, it creates a physical connection between ground and the electrical equipment and appliances in your home.

• USB / Ethernet Cable – A cable that carries the signal between your computer and your laser machine.

• Jogging – Moving the laser head around the workbed using the arrow keys on the controller.

Unboxing and Inventory Check

Your OMTech laser engraver ships with an accessory kit that includes the essentials you’ll need. Some items may vary by model. Here, we’re showing the accessories included with the OMTech 80W CO2 laser engraver, and the crate should contain:

• Water pump

• Venting hose for air exhaust

• Two hoses for water pump or water chiller

• Clamp for the venting hose

• Machine manual

• Ethernet and USB connection cables

• Tape for laser beam alignment

• Silicone for laser tube installation

• Machine power cord

• USB flash drive with software and additional files

• Set of Allen key wrenches

• Grounding cable (not typically needed in the US)

• Two keys for the laser switch

• Acrylic focusing tool

• Triangular key for opening side and back panels (model-dependent)

Plumbing: How to Setup Your Laser Cooling System

This Laser Cooling System Setup Guide is meant to complement the instructions in section 3.5 of the OMTech Manual.

Once you’ve received the machine, removed it from the crate, unwrapped it, and completed the initial inspection to confirm the laser tube isn’t cracked or damaged, your first task is to prepare the cooling system. Follow the steps below to connect your water pump or chiller:

• When fitting the water hose: zip ties can tighten the tube onto the fitting, but hose clamps are the better option. WARNING: Don’t overtighten zip ties or hose clamps. They should be snug enough to prevent leaks, but not so tight that they damage the fittings or the hose.

• Connect the water hose from the water pump or chiller OUTLET to the laser machine INLET, then tighten the zip ties or hose clamps.

• Connect the water hose from the laser machine OUTLET to the water pump reservoir (hangs freely) or the chiller INLET, then tighten the zip ties or hose clamps. NOTE why this matters: each outlet pairs with an inlet. Do NOT connect outlet to outlet or inlet to inlet.

• Fill the water pump reservoir or chiller with distilled water.

  • Use distilled water or de-ionized water ONLY.

  • Tap water SHOULD NOT be used.

  • Do NOT add chemicals like bleach or anti-freeze. This will VOID your laser tube warranty.

• Plug the water pump or chiller into a power outlet. This will switch the pump on, and if you’re using a chiller, flip its switch to the ON position.

• Visually confirm that water is flowing inside the laser tube.

  • Check for leaks at every connection point (including inside the laser machine and on the laser tube).

  • Check the laser tube for bubbles.

    • If you see bubbles, try turning the pump/chiller off and back on a few times.

    • If that doesn’t help, try positioning the water reservoir or chiller physically higher than the laser tube while it’s running.

• If you’re using a chiller, follow the manufacturer’s guidance for setting the temperature range. The recommended range is 16–21°C / 60–70°F.

Installation Guide: How to Setup a Laser Engraver Exhaust System

This Laser Exhaust System Setup Guide is intended to complement the instructions in section 3.6 of the OMTech Manual.

After your cooling system is set up, the next step is installing the exhaust system. The best ventilation approach is to route the 6” hose out a window or another dedicated vent to the outside. The laser machine includes a built-in fan (or fans, depending on the model), and if you’re relying on those alone, keep the exhaust hose as short as possible.

Use the following procedure to install your laser exhaust system (without an inline fan):

• Once the exhaust vent is in place, install the exhaust duct and the hose clamps provided.

  • One end of the exhaust duct installs on the laser machine’s exhaust output port, and the other end installs on the exhaust vent.

  • Use the included hose clamps to secure the exhaust duct to the exhaust port and the exhaust vent. Do NOT overtighten the hose clamps. The clamps should seal the connection without damaging the duct, the port, or the vent.

• Test the exhaust system by turning on the machine. The internal fan runs any time the machine is on.

• Confirm that air is flowing out of the exhaust vent (on the exterior of your building or structure).

  • If your vent has a built-in damper, make sure it’s opening and that air is coming out. If the damper isn’t opening:

    • Confirm the exhaust setup is correct and that the hose between the exhaust port and exhaust vent is as short as possible.

    • You may need to purchase an inline fan to generate enough airflow to open the damper.

A very common upgrade is to purchase an inline fan to better pull out fumes and smoke. OMTech offers multiple inline fan options, and when you install one, place it as close as possible to where the exhaust leaves your building. That placement will pull fumes from your machine far more effectively than trying to push them through the exhaust duct.

Use the following procedure to install your laser exhaust system with an inline fan:

• After the exhaust vent and inline fan are installed, attach the exhaust duct and the provided hose clamps.

  • One end of the exhaust duct installs on the laser machine’s exhaust output port, and the other end installs on the inline fan.

  • Use the included hose clamps to secure the exhaust duct to the exhaust port and the inline fan INLET. Do not overtighten the clamps. They should seal the connection without damaging the duct, the port, or the inline fan.

• Test the exhaust system by turning on both the machine and the inline fan.

• Confirm that air is flowing out of the exhaust vent (on the exterior of your building or structure).

  • If your vent includes a built-in damper, check that it opens and that air is coming out. If the damper isn’t opening:

    • Confirm the system is installed correctly and that the inline fan is oriented properly (the OUTLET of the inline fan should connect to the exhaust vent).

Here is a video guide for OMTech CO2 laser engraver setting up

Integrated Laser Safety Features

The laser machine includes built-in safety features designed to reduce the risks of operation. These include door/lid sensors to ensure the door is closed before the laser tube can fire, along with specially tinted glass that helps prevent the laser beam from exiting through the viewing windows.

For your safety, you should NEVER leave the laser machine unattended while it’s running. Laser engraving burns or vaporises materials using high heat, and that creates a fire risk.

WARNING: Disabling, bypassing, or operating the laser machine when any safety feature is not working can cause serious injury and/or property damage.

Laser Eye Protection

Another key precaution is eye protection. You can’t use just any safety glasses; you should buy and wear specialised laser safety glasses rated for the CO2 laser wavelength (10,600nm).

Before operating your CO2 laser engraving machine, you must also review all sections of Chapter 2 - Safety Information in the OMTech manual.

Electrical Grounding for Your Laser Engraver Cutter Machine

Grounding with a 3-Prong Outlet

Your laser machine requires an electrical ground for safety. Most commonly, this ground is provided through the standard power cord (as long as your outlet has a grounded 3-prong connector and your home or building wiring is properly grounded). If you live in the USA and/or have a 3-prong outlet where the 3rd prong is ground, you do not need to add an additional ground to the machine.

Grounding with a Dedicated Cable

If you live outside the USA or your home/building is older and not properly grounded, you should also consider how to ground the machine to a building ground line. If the ground is unknown or not available from the power source, the machine includes a separate grounding cable. One end connects to the grounding port on the laser machine, and the other end should be securely attached to a grounded object (such as a metal ground within the structure or grounding stakes installed per local codes).

Complete, step-by-step instructions for installing a grounding cable can be found in Section 3.4 - Electrical Grounding of the OMTech manual.

Laser Engraver System Testing

The following Laser Engraver Testing Guide is intended to complement the instructions found in Section 3.9 - Initial Testing of the OMTech manual.

Now that the cooling system is running, the exhaust system is operating correctly, and we understand the safety precautions, it’s time to test the laser machine. Use the procedures below to test the machine and confirm it’s working as intended:

Laser Head Homing Test

Your CO2 laser engraving machine uses a gantry rail system to move the laser head around the workbed on the X and Y axes. Homing is the laser head’s origin point — the position the laser head returns to when you power the machine on.

Whenever you turn on your machine, the laser head should home to either the back left or the back right of the work area. Make note of where it homes, because you’ll need that information later when setting up the software.

Jog Movement Test

As noted earlier, the gantry rail system moves the laser head around the workbed. It’s important that the rails, motors, and belts deliver smooth, consistent motion. This test helps confirm the gantry system is working properly.

• Using the controller’s arrow keys, jog (move) the laser head around the bed.

• Move the laser head into each corner and check that you don’t see or hear grinding, stuttering, or unwanted pauses.

• The laser head should travel freely and smoothly.

• Keep in mind the laser head will NOT reach every inch of the honeycomb bed. This is normal.

Autofocus Test (If equipped)

Autofocus is a feature that uses a small plunger sensor next to the laser head nozzle. The plunger detects the workpiece height and helps ensure the nozzle is at the correct focal distance from the material. If your machine has autofocus, you’ll see a red plunger mounted on the laser head assembly.

To test the autofocus, you must:

• Place a piece of material under the laser head (specifically, under the red autofocus plunger mounted to the laser head). Any hard material will work, but wood is recommended.

• Before you continue, make sure the red autofocus plunger will contact the material when the bed moves.

• Press the “FN” button on the controller. Using the up/down arrow keys, scroll to “Auto Focus”, then press the “Enter” button on the controller.

• The bed will rise until the red autofocus plunger engages, and then the bed will lower to the correct height.

Laser Tube Pulse Test

Before starting this test, be sure to review all sections of Chapter 4 - Operation in your OMTech user manual.

The laser tube pulse test briefly activates the laser beam to confirm it’s working. This test is important to ensure the laser tube is functioning properly before you begin using the machine.

• To test the laser tube, place a scrap piece of wood under the laser head.

• Make sure the water pump or chiller is on and the water is at the proper temperature.

• Make sure the door/lid is closed.

• If your machine has a key and/or a laser switch, make sure they are switched on.

• Press the “Pulse” button on the controller.

  • The controller should beep, and the laser should fire (you should see a small mark on the scrap wood).

  • There should be no arcing when pulsing the laser. Arcing is usually most obvious by the sound it makes and the fact the laser doesn’t fire.

  • If the laser didn’t fire, you may need to increase the minimum power in the controller, since different laser tubes require different minimum power levels to fire.

  • If the Ruida controller states an error, check this article for solutions.

OMTech Keychain Laser Test File

The controller includes a keychain file that the factory used to test the laser before shipping. Running this test file is a great way to confirm the laser works correctly before you try your own designs.

• On the controller, press the “File” button.

• You should see only one file on the screen, labelled “Test.” Press the “Enter” button to load the factory test file into the controller.

• Load the machine with a scrap piece of ¼” wood or acrylic. If you don’t have those, another piece of scrap wood will do.

• After moving the laser head over the material, focus the laser by raising/lowering the bed to the correct height (using autofocus if equipped, or manual focus).

• Press the “Frame” button on the controller. If needed, reposition your material under the framed area, and press “Frame” again until the framed area sits fully on your material.

• With the water pump or chiller running, the exhaust system on, and the door/lid closed, press the “Start” button on the controller. The machine will run the factory test file.

  

• Review the results of the laser test file.

  • The file uses preset engraving settings and will raster at 300mm/s, varying the power (%) settings listed on the file.

  • The laser will also cut around the image and cut a hole in the upper left corner for a keychain. The preset cut settings are 10mm/s and 90% power, however we do not recommend going above 70% power for any other project.

  • WOOD ANALYSIS: When you inspect your keychain test file on wood, it should look similar to the example pictured below. The engraved edges should look crisp and clean, but you may see brown scorch marks around the edges of characters — that’s normal, and you can sand them off easily after lasering.

    

  • ACRYLIC ANALYSIS: When you inspect your keychain test file on acrylic, it should look similar to the example pictured below. The engraved edges should look crisp and clean, and the engraving boxes should get deeper as the power percentage increases.

    

Network/Software

Your computer converts the design you want to engrave/cut into instructions the laser controller can understand. If you can’t use a USB or network cable, you can also save files to a USB thumb drive and plug that into the laser machine.

1. Either connect the supplied USB cable or network cable from your computer to the laser machine.

2. Open LightBurn.

3. If you aren’t prompted automatically, click the “Devices” button in the bottom right of the screen.

4. Click the “Find My Laser” button.

5. Click the “Next” button.

6. Select the device with the “Serial/USB” connection, then click “Add Device”.

7. If you want to rename it, you can do that here. Also confirm the X and Y dimensions of the work area are correct, then click “Next”.

8. Select the origin (homing) location you noted earlier.

9. Click “Finish”.

Your laser engraver installation is fully set up and ready to use with LightBurn.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered how to set up the laser cooling system, the laser exhaust system, proper laser safety precautions, plus the initial setup and testing of the laser machine itself. Next, you must review the operating instructions in chapter 4 of the OMTech manual. Then, you can learn how to perform a laser ramp test to find the correct focal length for the lens, along with additional laser system testing and fine-tuning.